Post by GP on Jan 4, 2007 5:17:04 GMT -5
1- (50-10)- Its hard to stop the Timberwolves when they are playing this good. They are remarkable 30-4 at the Target Center, and atop many statistical categories including FG% at a whopping 47% from the field as a team. Alonzo Mourning is also enjoying another MVP type season, and could be Finals MVP when it’s all said and done.
2- (41-21)- KG and the Magic check in here at number two here, and what a great job GM Aaron Haberman has done in assembling this team. He started out the off-season by drafting Utah standout Andre Miller as the eighth pick in the draft then made some formidable acquisitions in Dikembe Mutumbo and Reggie Miller. AI is reaching the peak of his career so it is the Magic’s best interest to get a title while his play is still impacting the league.
3- (38-18)- Its been a roller coaster type season for the Clips this year as injuries and underperforming players have plagued the roster. Yet, things look like they have gotten back on track and are still on pace to secure the Pacific division. Jason Kidd and Dana Barros have formed a likeable bond in the backcourt and the big men have gelled as a group in the frontcourt with Theo Ratliff leading the way in the playoffs.
4- (37-20)- The Pistons have a number of players with high ceilings including swing guard Ray Allen, Michael Olowokandi, and Chauncey Billups. However, its been the play of Antonio McDyess that has really taken this team to another level. The Pistons have enough depth and young players to be good for a very long time and should give the Magic and other Eastern Conference teams a challenge in the postseason.
5- (37-19)- Despite having almost no backcourt help, the Celts have somehow mounted a run that was unexpected and almost unheard of. They are still only one game back of the Magic in the Atlantic with 26 games to go. At the ripe age of 36, Karl Malone has been a fantastic second scorer for the Celtics who have been led primarily from the play of two-guard Penny Hardaway. Look for the Celtics to turn some more heads in the playoffs if their play continues like this.
6- (36-22)- GM David Lumley has been a hard man to reach lately and why not? When your team is playing as good as his is, he doesn’t need to make many moves. The Kings barely turnover the ball and are second in the category and are able to score on their ball movement as they also second in assists. However, an aging front court maybe the Kings Achilles’ heel this year since the backcourt seems more than solidified heading into the playoffs.
7- (36-22)- Jamal Mashburn and Shawn Kemp have been money combo for the Bucks and continue to be a pain in the side to Eastern Conference foes. Guards Bobby Phils and Travis Best have been real surprises with their play this season, especially for Best as he came off the bench last year. It will be tough for the Bucks to get past the Pistons for the Central division title this year, but it’s possible still possible.
8- (34-21)- The Nets value Gary Trent as one of the most underrated power forwards in the league and the numbers show it. Trent shoots an exceptional 47% from the field, averaging a double and garnering a steal and block per game. Allan Houston’s scoring numbers are down a big this year, but its ok because Tim Duncan has picked up the slack to lead the league in scoring. Nevertheless, the Nets have many intangibles and bench players to get the job done in the postseason.
9- (37-26)- The fourth Atlantic team to be in the top 10 of the power rankings are the Wiz who feature the Kansas-Kentucky connection in Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Both are not scoring over the top but as a team they rank in top 10 in scoring. Yet, the front court seems to be the most alarming need as Dickey Simpkins is the only worthy backup on the bench. The Wizards may face some problems defensively against some other renowned bigs in the playoffs.
10- (31-23)- After earning the nod for the All-League third team last season, Dirk Nowitski is looking for more than personal accolades this season. Along with Pippen, the New Orleans balanced scoring attack has not been able to overshadowed their unreliable defensive strategy which is good enough for the bottom 10 of the league in points against. Guard Terrell Brandon is having another stellar season and in order for the Hornets to beat the Pistons this year, he’s going to have to have a good series.
11- (30-24)- The Big Ticket is having a better season statistically than last year, but the Pacers are still tightly holding on to the eighth seed in the East. The Pacers might need to look into another solution at backup big spot were JR Reid and Charles Shackelford may be a little overmatched against other teams defensively. Their biggest need may be point guard where former UNC product Hubert Davis leads a club that is second to last in assists in the league. Simply put, lack of good point guard play won’t lead to wins in the postseason.
12- (29-27)- If the Lakers were in the East, they would be duking out with the Pacers, Knicks and Cavs for the last playoff spot. Luckily for the Lakers, if they playoffs started today, they would be the fourth seed in the weak western conference. As we all know Kobe Bryant is having another great season, but how about the play of Danny Fortson. On his way to his first all star game and probably first league addition, he continues to lead this unlikely L.A. team. The Lakers still need to take care of the rock better in the playoffs as they rank 29th in turnovers a game.
13- (29-27)- Still in the playoff picture, despite dealing Patrick Ewing to Dallas. The Knicks have been spurned by Alabama wonder child Latrell Sprewell who leads the team in points, minutes, and tantrums. The Knicks really need someone who could man the point and with some nice point guard prospects coming out in the draft this year, a guy like Speedy Claxton would be a welcome addition to this team.
14- (30-28)- Again, what a job GM Manas rai has done for this organization with doing with almost no one on the roster. Brad Miller and Jim Jackson are the only offensive bright spots for this team who still rank in the middle of the pack in scoring. And although, Jason Terry and Jalen Rose are still young, they should make a nice duo in the backcourt for years to come and could turn some heads as the fifth seed currently in the playoff race.
15- (28-28)- Earl the Squirrel Boykins is on the market for picks in the Warriors’ continued rebuilding process. This is team is well coached and managed and continues to make the playoffs every year. Next year alone, they hold four picks other than their own and should be well set for the future and beyond. Youngsters Jumaine Jones and Jonathan Bender also hope to be in those plans.
16- (27-28)- Defense is the Cavaliers’ biggest worry at the moment as the seem to not be able to stop any team from scoring. Eric Snow, the teams’ best perimeter defense is backing up Tracy Hill who is unnatural at the point guard spot and defending it. Nevertheless, the Cavs get a nice scoring punch from their Big Dog Robinson and Tar Heel Stackhouse. Still, the Cavs are in the outside looking into the playoff picture as they stand 3.5 out in the East.
17- (26-29)- The inability to score as team has been a weakness this year for the Nuggets. Nick Van Exel has been an extreme disappointment this year as his scoring average is down almost 5 points game this season along with his steals and shooting percentage. Now, his ACL tear makes him a loss for the rest of the season and may hurt the Nuggets chances in the playoffs. Guards Troy Hudson and Alvin Williams may have their hands full in helping Denver in the postseason.
18- (27-32)- The Georgetown legend himself, Patrick Ewing has come in to be valuable cog for the Mavs this year. Eddie Jones has been a nice combo guard for the Mavs but his 41% from field and 35% from beyond the arc don’t help a club is in the bottom five in field goal percentage. Jason Williams has emerged as a great defensive guard in the passing lanes and should reek havoc in backcourts in the playoffs.
19- (25-31)- Another team that struggles to shoot well as they are the very worse in BBS at 42% as a team. Still, the Blazers are still very well in the playoff mix, by being only a half game behind Dallas. Saint Louis guard Larry Hughes has really taken this team on his back and led it to an impressive 18-13 mark at home. Even if LaRue doesn’t work out for this club, they hold the rights currently to the projected number one pick, and either French man Tony Parker or Baron Davis would be happy to take over.
20- (28-35)- Chris Webber has a great team around him in Michael Finley, Brent Barry and Damon Stoudamire, and still this team can’t get it done. They are not a very good defensive team which is the main reason for their troubles and on offense they are near the middle in turnovers. Cedric Ceballos is having a nice season at the three spot but it may not be enough to be upgraded in the draft next year.
21- (25-32)- Perhaps the best trio of young players reside in Washington state, as they market Jermaine O’Neal, Steve Nash and Predrag Stojakovic. Yet, the Sonics never really got it going this year and defense again is mostly to blame. Still, they have plenty of time to grow and compete and should be able to draft a nice big like Kenyon Martin or Stromile Swift to pair up with Jermaine O’Neal for a long time to come.
22- (23-36)- Duke icon Elton Brand certainly left his mark on the BBS record books as he dropped 60 in a game earlier this season. Yet, that’s mostly all the news on the Bulls this year. Michigan guard Jamal Crawford has hardly made a dent in the reserve role but still has a lot of room to grow. Donyell Marshall is a nice forward that is still being shopped for future picks down the line. Management will also have a lottery pick to play with this season which could prove as a guy like Quentin Richardson could jumpstart this franchise along with Brand and Crawford.
23- (22-35)- Philly really hasn’t felt Shawn Marion’s impact on the team just yet, but its coming soon so stay tuned. The rest of the team is pretty much the same. Starbury should be a top 10 player in the league soon with his ratings and little around with him. However, rumors of Argentine Manu Ginobilli being a target to join him in the backcourt has already started a rift with the former Georgia Tech star.
24- (22-36)- What a disastrous year for the Hawks. Last year, they came so close of knocking out the Hornets and advancing to the East Semis. This year has been a complete 180, as they stand 14 games below .500 and 10 games out of the playoffs. Could it be rebounding, defense, turnovers or maybe all the above? Whatever it is, the Hawks would have had a shot at Darius Miles had they still own the rights to their pick this year.
25- (20-36)- Another lousy team in a lousy division and with an emerging superstar on their roster. Vince Carter has been nothing short of phenomenal this year, but the rest of the team has not been. The Spurs need many things but perhaps their most glaring need is another scorer. Look for OSU guard Michael Redd to be in a Spurs uni next year with VC moving to the three spot.
26- (21-37)- Trying to unload Grant Hill before the deadline, but so far there has been no enticing offers, and look for it to stay that way. The Grizzlies do posses a nice young point guard in Brevin Knight and power forward in Brian Grant. But, they really need to address their needs at small forward and center through the draft. Forward Kenyon Martin could give the Grizz a different dimension next year if drafted.
27-(19-40)- In spite of having little ownership intervention throughout the year, they are still not the worst team in the league. The Rockets have some talent on their roster lead by high schooler Rashard Lewis and former Duke freshman Corey Maggette. Even Kenny Anderson and Kerry Kittles are some nice pieces in the backcourt. Still, this team needs a bonafied big man and they should look no further than Rhode Island’s Lamar Odom in the draft.
28- (15-46)- The Tracy McGrady injury has been big news in Canada and it should be because that’s all the Raptors have to talk about. Andrei Kirilenko should be an all rookie first team selection but he hasn’t really had a big impact on the team. Nevertheless, depending on the loterry, the Raptors are due to add another impact draft pick to the roster. Management has whispered the name Baron Davis, but you never know till draft day.
29- (11-45)- The worse team in BBS does not have a lot show otherwise. Last years’ pick Richard Hamilton is still a work in progress and cannot help right now. Their other talent, Stephen Jackson and Tim Thomas haven’t been able to establish themselves offensively. Overall this team needs a lot of work and it will be tough without their own pick this year, but they can use the Hawks pick to draft a franchise player like Ron Artest from St. Johns.
2- (41-21)- KG and the Magic check in here at number two here, and what a great job GM Aaron Haberman has done in assembling this team. He started out the off-season by drafting Utah standout Andre Miller as the eighth pick in the draft then made some formidable acquisitions in Dikembe Mutumbo and Reggie Miller. AI is reaching the peak of his career so it is the Magic’s best interest to get a title while his play is still impacting the league.
3- (38-18)- Its been a roller coaster type season for the Clips this year as injuries and underperforming players have plagued the roster. Yet, things look like they have gotten back on track and are still on pace to secure the Pacific division. Jason Kidd and Dana Barros have formed a likeable bond in the backcourt and the big men have gelled as a group in the frontcourt with Theo Ratliff leading the way in the playoffs.
4- (37-20)- The Pistons have a number of players with high ceilings including swing guard Ray Allen, Michael Olowokandi, and Chauncey Billups. However, its been the play of Antonio McDyess that has really taken this team to another level. The Pistons have enough depth and young players to be good for a very long time and should give the Magic and other Eastern Conference teams a challenge in the postseason.
5- (37-19)- Despite having almost no backcourt help, the Celts have somehow mounted a run that was unexpected and almost unheard of. They are still only one game back of the Magic in the Atlantic with 26 games to go. At the ripe age of 36, Karl Malone has been a fantastic second scorer for the Celtics who have been led primarily from the play of two-guard Penny Hardaway. Look for the Celtics to turn some more heads in the playoffs if their play continues like this.
6- (36-22)- GM David Lumley has been a hard man to reach lately and why not? When your team is playing as good as his is, he doesn’t need to make many moves. The Kings barely turnover the ball and are second in the category and are able to score on their ball movement as they also second in assists. However, an aging front court maybe the Kings Achilles’ heel this year since the backcourt seems more than solidified heading into the playoffs.
7- (36-22)- Jamal Mashburn and Shawn Kemp have been money combo for the Bucks and continue to be a pain in the side to Eastern Conference foes. Guards Bobby Phils and Travis Best have been real surprises with their play this season, especially for Best as he came off the bench last year. It will be tough for the Bucks to get past the Pistons for the Central division title this year, but it’s possible still possible.
8- (34-21)- The Nets value Gary Trent as one of the most underrated power forwards in the league and the numbers show it. Trent shoots an exceptional 47% from the field, averaging a double and garnering a steal and block per game. Allan Houston’s scoring numbers are down a big this year, but its ok because Tim Duncan has picked up the slack to lead the league in scoring. Nevertheless, the Nets have many intangibles and bench players to get the job done in the postseason.
9- (37-26)- The fourth Atlantic team to be in the top 10 of the power rankings are the Wiz who feature the Kansas-Kentucky connection in Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Both are not scoring over the top but as a team they rank in top 10 in scoring. Yet, the front court seems to be the most alarming need as Dickey Simpkins is the only worthy backup on the bench. The Wizards may face some problems defensively against some other renowned bigs in the playoffs.
10- (31-23)- After earning the nod for the All-League third team last season, Dirk Nowitski is looking for more than personal accolades this season. Along with Pippen, the New Orleans balanced scoring attack has not been able to overshadowed their unreliable defensive strategy which is good enough for the bottom 10 of the league in points against. Guard Terrell Brandon is having another stellar season and in order for the Hornets to beat the Pistons this year, he’s going to have to have a good series.
11- (30-24)- The Big Ticket is having a better season statistically than last year, but the Pacers are still tightly holding on to the eighth seed in the East. The Pacers might need to look into another solution at backup big spot were JR Reid and Charles Shackelford may be a little overmatched against other teams defensively. Their biggest need may be point guard where former UNC product Hubert Davis leads a club that is second to last in assists in the league. Simply put, lack of good point guard play won’t lead to wins in the postseason.
12- (29-27)- If the Lakers were in the East, they would be duking out with the Pacers, Knicks and Cavs for the last playoff spot. Luckily for the Lakers, if they playoffs started today, they would be the fourth seed in the weak western conference. As we all know Kobe Bryant is having another great season, but how about the play of Danny Fortson. On his way to his first all star game and probably first league addition, he continues to lead this unlikely L.A. team. The Lakers still need to take care of the rock better in the playoffs as they rank 29th in turnovers a game.
13- (29-27)- Still in the playoff picture, despite dealing Patrick Ewing to Dallas. The Knicks have been spurned by Alabama wonder child Latrell Sprewell who leads the team in points, minutes, and tantrums. The Knicks really need someone who could man the point and with some nice point guard prospects coming out in the draft this year, a guy like Speedy Claxton would be a welcome addition to this team.
14- (30-28)- Again, what a job GM Manas rai has done for this organization with doing with almost no one on the roster. Brad Miller and Jim Jackson are the only offensive bright spots for this team who still rank in the middle of the pack in scoring. And although, Jason Terry and Jalen Rose are still young, they should make a nice duo in the backcourt for years to come and could turn some heads as the fifth seed currently in the playoff race.
15- (28-28)- Earl the Squirrel Boykins is on the market for picks in the Warriors’ continued rebuilding process. This is team is well coached and managed and continues to make the playoffs every year. Next year alone, they hold four picks other than their own and should be well set for the future and beyond. Youngsters Jumaine Jones and Jonathan Bender also hope to be in those plans.
16- (27-28)- Defense is the Cavaliers’ biggest worry at the moment as the seem to not be able to stop any team from scoring. Eric Snow, the teams’ best perimeter defense is backing up Tracy Hill who is unnatural at the point guard spot and defending it. Nevertheless, the Cavs get a nice scoring punch from their Big Dog Robinson and Tar Heel Stackhouse. Still, the Cavs are in the outside looking into the playoff picture as they stand 3.5 out in the East.
17- (26-29)- The inability to score as team has been a weakness this year for the Nuggets. Nick Van Exel has been an extreme disappointment this year as his scoring average is down almost 5 points game this season along with his steals and shooting percentage. Now, his ACL tear makes him a loss for the rest of the season and may hurt the Nuggets chances in the playoffs. Guards Troy Hudson and Alvin Williams may have their hands full in helping Denver in the postseason.
18- (27-32)- The Georgetown legend himself, Patrick Ewing has come in to be valuable cog for the Mavs this year. Eddie Jones has been a nice combo guard for the Mavs but his 41% from field and 35% from beyond the arc don’t help a club is in the bottom five in field goal percentage. Jason Williams has emerged as a great defensive guard in the passing lanes and should reek havoc in backcourts in the playoffs.
19- (25-31)- Another team that struggles to shoot well as they are the very worse in BBS at 42% as a team. Still, the Blazers are still very well in the playoff mix, by being only a half game behind Dallas. Saint Louis guard Larry Hughes has really taken this team on his back and led it to an impressive 18-13 mark at home. Even if LaRue doesn’t work out for this club, they hold the rights currently to the projected number one pick, and either French man Tony Parker or Baron Davis would be happy to take over.
20- (28-35)- Chris Webber has a great team around him in Michael Finley, Brent Barry and Damon Stoudamire, and still this team can’t get it done. They are not a very good defensive team which is the main reason for their troubles and on offense they are near the middle in turnovers. Cedric Ceballos is having a nice season at the three spot but it may not be enough to be upgraded in the draft next year.
21- (25-32)- Perhaps the best trio of young players reside in Washington state, as they market Jermaine O’Neal, Steve Nash and Predrag Stojakovic. Yet, the Sonics never really got it going this year and defense again is mostly to blame. Still, they have plenty of time to grow and compete and should be able to draft a nice big like Kenyon Martin or Stromile Swift to pair up with Jermaine O’Neal for a long time to come.
22- (23-36)- Duke icon Elton Brand certainly left his mark on the BBS record books as he dropped 60 in a game earlier this season. Yet, that’s mostly all the news on the Bulls this year. Michigan guard Jamal Crawford has hardly made a dent in the reserve role but still has a lot of room to grow. Donyell Marshall is a nice forward that is still being shopped for future picks down the line. Management will also have a lottery pick to play with this season which could prove as a guy like Quentin Richardson could jumpstart this franchise along with Brand and Crawford.
23- (22-35)- Philly really hasn’t felt Shawn Marion’s impact on the team just yet, but its coming soon so stay tuned. The rest of the team is pretty much the same. Starbury should be a top 10 player in the league soon with his ratings and little around with him. However, rumors of Argentine Manu Ginobilli being a target to join him in the backcourt has already started a rift with the former Georgia Tech star.
24- (22-36)- What a disastrous year for the Hawks. Last year, they came so close of knocking out the Hornets and advancing to the East Semis. This year has been a complete 180, as they stand 14 games below .500 and 10 games out of the playoffs. Could it be rebounding, defense, turnovers or maybe all the above? Whatever it is, the Hawks would have had a shot at Darius Miles had they still own the rights to their pick this year.
25- (20-36)- Another lousy team in a lousy division and with an emerging superstar on their roster. Vince Carter has been nothing short of phenomenal this year, but the rest of the team has not been. The Spurs need many things but perhaps their most glaring need is another scorer. Look for OSU guard Michael Redd to be in a Spurs uni next year with VC moving to the three spot.
26- (21-37)- Trying to unload Grant Hill before the deadline, but so far there has been no enticing offers, and look for it to stay that way. The Grizzlies do posses a nice young point guard in Brevin Knight and power forward in Brian Grant. But, they really need to address their needs at small forward and center through the draft. Forward Kenyon Martin could give the Grizz a different dimension next year if drafted.
27-(19-40)- In spite of having little ownership intervention throughout the year, they are still not the worst team in the league. The Rockets have some talent on their roster lead by high schooler Rashard Lewis and former Duke freshman Corey Maggette. Even Kenny Anderson and Kerry Kittles are some nice pieces in the backcourt. Still, this team needs a bonafied big man and they should look no further than Rhode Island’s Lamar Odom in the draft.
28- (15-46)- The Tracy McGrady injury has been big news in Canada and it should be because that’s all the Raptors have to talk about. Andrei Kirilenko should be an all rookie first team selection but he hasn’t really had a big impact on the team. Nevertheless, depending on the loterry, the Raptors are due to add another impact draft pick to the roster. Management has whispered the name Baron Davis, but you never know till draft day.
29- (11-45)- The worse team in BBS does not have a lot show otherwise. Last years’ pick Richard Hamilton is still a work in progress and cannot help right now. Their other talent, Stephen Jackson and Tim Thomas haven’t been able to establish themselves offensively. Overall this team needs a lot of work and it will be tough without their own pick this year, but they can use the Hawks pick to draft a franchise player like Ron Artest from St. Johns.